Missouri 4-H youths gathered Sept. 25 on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia for the annual State 4-H Public Speaking Contest, and two area students received awards.
This year, 39 youths representing 20 counties competed in several speaking categories, including traditional prepared speaking, extemporaneous speaking, technology-assisted speeches and interpretation.
Awards were given for the top three speakers in each age division and category.
Eileen Shafer, of Cole County, won first place in the senior technology assisted speaking category.
Sophie Geppert, of Callaway County, won second place in the intermediate prepared speaking category.
The contest is one of Missouri 4-H's oldest and most popular traditions, said Samantha Brandeberry, MU Extension state 4-H educator.